Glenn worked very hard in ecumenical circles in the lead up to the Referendum in 2023, with webinars, resources, in-person presentations, online videos and art work.
Glenn has been appointed to the position of “Project Lead – Aboriginal Ministry – Province of Victoria” for the Anglican Church from April 1st, 2024 and will take the leadership of a five-year Anglican Province of Victoria First Nations ministry, mission and justice project across all 5 Anglican Dioceses in Victoria.
He writes:
This is a significant development from the church which has been a response to an ask from the Aboriginal Clergy as far back as 2015 and to the failure of the Referendum and a similar proposal at the 2023 Synod. It will develop a Council that will support and speak on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to the church in Victoria.
Glenn has been tasked with the responsibility to establish the new Council with an aim to make the Church a safer space for Indigenous Anglicans. It will be made up of Indigenous Anglicans who will represent and promote the interests of First Nations church members.
Canon Loughrey said the landmark body would ensure there were pathways for Indigenous people in the Church and that mission and ministry were conducted in culturally appropriate ways.
A key element of this development is the Murnong First People’s Gathering Place and the Wominjeka Garden which will act as hub for all activities and action across the State. Glenn will work out of that space.
This is a wonderful recognition of the work St Oswald’s (where Glenn has been in ministry until March 2024) has done since 2015 and provides an opportunity to develop this congregation as key leaders in the process of dialogue and engagement.
As Glenn says, “A very exciting time for all”.
Read a related article in The Melbourne Anglican publication here.